HOW TO MANAGE YOUR FINANCE

I can’t be the only one that has this thought – “All the things I could buy If I had enough money” right? But then what’s “enough” money? Why can’t we manage what we have? Why do we want to spend more than we have and not save a penny? Spending till you’re broke. They say, “Money doesn’t bring you happiness”, but I guarantee being broke doesn’t either.

Though we know we should save either each day, week, monthly or yearly. We still end up spending lavishly and ask:

What did I spend my money on?

How did I end up broke?

How would I pay my bills?

How would I pay what I borrowed?

and the list goes on and on.

We let money get the best of us. These things can be prevented. It’s not difficult, just a little self-discipline. Yes, we have “self-discipline” but we keep brushing it to the side and living in the moment. Get yourself on track and worry less.

How do you get yourself on track? How can you manage your finance?

You all know I’m no expert but from experience, I have come up with strategies for managing your personal finance. If you are getting steady income each month, no delays whatsoever, please cut your coat according to your size, thank you.

Most of my articles are from previous experiences so believe me when I say I can relate to the struggles (maybe not the borrowing part. Lol.) I used to be a lavish spender until reality hit me – I got broke.

How did you go from being a lavish spender to being conservative? I’ll tell you.

MANAGING PERSONAL FINANCES

Experience is truly the best teacher. If you have experienced being broke but you still end up being naive about it and it becomes a cycle for you, then you need a reality check.

When you get that paycheck or money from any source, what’s the first thing you should do? Go out and spend the money? seems like the right thing to do, but it’s just for that moment. Why not think and plan how much you want to save/spend. Divide the money in half, 50/50, 70/30 – it’s up to you.

First things first, Decide: You cannot attain financial prudence without making a conscious effort.

As difficult as it may sound, it’s doable. You need to tap yourself and tell yourself enough is enough. You’ve got to change and the time for change is now.

Trust me, no matter how many articles you read, if you don’t tell yourself you need to make a change, your resolutions won’t last.

Now that your mind is in agreement, let’s get to the rest of it.

You need to make a plan for your daily expenses. If you know you’re an impulsive spender, it’s time to start writing down your daily needs and being religious with keeping to them.

Every morning, I like to write down all the things I’m most likely to spend money on ranging from food to transportation expenses. I try to stay away from ostentatious items and only buy those things I absolutely need. I take some “unforeseen circumstances” cash along just in case (most times I don’t spend that).

Self Discipline is highly important too – there is nothing like knowing when not to whip out your wallet to make a purchase.

This has been a huge game changer for me. Before I make a purchase, I ask myself these three questions –

Do I need this?

What changes if I don’t get this?

If I do need this, can I get it at a less expensive price?

The answers to the aforementioned questions determine if my wallet will see the light of day or not.

Do not be financially dependent on other people: there are two ways out of this – spend less or find a way to earn more.

A lot of people get money and spend lavishly only to end up borrowing from family and friends. You might have people to lend from but the fact that you can lend doesn’t mean you should lend. Yes, there are unforeseen circumstances that might warrant lending cash bit most times, borrowing could be avoided.

My point is, if it can be avoided, avoid it. Become financially independent. Don’t borrow, manage.

Find an automated means of saving money: this has never failed me because even when I don’t want to, I’m “forced” to save.

I have an app that pulls out money from my account on a daily basis and saves it. It’s so cool that it allows me to lock my funds until a stipulated date.

I can also set daily withdrawal amounts and attach a time to them so the app automatically pulls out the set funds at the set time and saves it for me. Isn’t that cool?

Being financially prudent is not a day’s work. It requires effort, consistency and self-discipline. It’s okay to falter along the way but you’ve got to pick yourself up. Follow the aforementioned steps religiously and you’re well on your way to a debt-free life.

What other ways do you employ to save funds? I’m dying to find out. My comment section is open. Share with me.

I signed up for Mint to help me with keeping up with my finances, but I need to make a legit budget plan and stick to it. You have provided some wonderful tips, and I definitely need to automate some savings.